Well, I've been thinking about this pretty consistently for the last few months, and as the damn thing is back in the shop with a mysterious power drain issue (which might have been shop caused, AGAIN (different shop), it looks like), I find myself once more strongly considering it.

Here's the difference... I think I'm ready to just say **** it all, and get a Ferrari.

I'm looking at anything from 328s (even Quattrovalvole 308s), to 348s, and 355s.

Right now, I'm thinking more 348/355. 355 if I find a great one at a great price, and 348 otherwise. I'm a little fearsome of electrical problems with the 348s, and wondered if anyone here has had experience?

I'd go with (preferably) a targa, or a spyder.

Any thoughts? I'm still considering sticking with the 911 a bit longer, since a LARGE majority of the damn thing has been rebuilt/replaced.

 

I'd rather opt for a more performance-oriented 996, in GT3 or GT2 trim.

 

Can you describe your power drain issue? Just curious.

 

In the unlikely event you need Ferrari service, you could be looking at even more $$$

 

I used to restore Ferraris and hung out in the Ferrari community quite a bit. The 348 has a pretty bad reputation in the community. It's development was right as Fiat was exerting lots of control just after Enzo's passing.

I'd stick with the 328 or 355. The 328 was the pinnacle of the 3x8 series...the model was well sorted out by then. I've driven a few...very enjoyable car.

The 355 was probably the first Ferrari that started to compete with Porsche as far as a truly daily drivable car. IIRC, maintenance on the 355 was actually cheaper than on the 328. Definitely something to consider since maintenance will be a significant portion of the cost of ownership. If you fail to keep the maintenance up and keep good records, you can kiss your resale value good bye.

 

listen to camber, he speaks the truth

 

Stop by www.ferrarichat.com and ask around.

Here's an anecdote - looking around the webpage of a local dealership, I found a 355 Spyder for sale relatively cheap - $64,888. Car looks to be in great shape - only 25.5k miles.
Recent trips to the shop - $5k in July 08, and $14k in September 08.

http://www.ecarlink.com/web/199/vehicle/62...pider-Dallas-TX

 

I agree with a lot of what you're saying--I've spent a bit of time with a number of Ferrari owners, and driven a lot of them. Yes, the 348 is not exactly the *best* of the series... but I mean, I own a 996, right?

I am interested, however, in what you said about how the 355 is cheaper to maintain. That I didn't realize. How much cheaper do you think?

I love the 328, and it's definitely still a possibility. I don't typically think I need a lot of speed, but I'm a tad worried about going from the 911 to something quite a bit slower. Not terribly worried, because my main emphasis is on the driving experience, rather than the speed.

Let's, for the moment, throw out the 348 option, and just look at the 328 v 355.

328
+s
Lower upfront cost
Simpler mechanics (Less likely to break?)
More classic body styling

-s
Older (More likely to break?)
Higher Maintenance cost?
Not as fast

355
+s
Lower Maintenance
Newer (Less likely to break?)
Faster
A tad sexier?

-s
Higher Upfront Cost
More complicated mechanics/electronics (More likely to break?)



Do you have anything you'd like to add to that list? I'd appreciate all inputs.


As a note: having spent a lot of time with a number of Ferrari owners, I'm familiar with the necessity of the maintenance program--particularly the major services.

As far as the expense of this car vs the 911: Yes, this will probably be more expensive. Strike that, definitely be more expensive. BUT: in my mind, that's worth it for the Ferrari. And, most of the expenses with the Ferrari are set maintenance expenses, rather than: Surprise! your brakes don't work--like with the Porsche.

 

Don't get the 348. It is regarded as the redheaded stepchild of the Ferrari family, and rightly so IMHO.

The 348 has delicate electricals, twitchy handling, mediocre performance, and dated looks. The best thing about the 348 is the engine note, but the 355 sounds even better.

Back in the mid-'90s, my brother drove a 348 while I had a FD RX-7. Stock vs. stock, the two cars were pretty close in straightline performance, but the RX-7 would walk the 348 on the track.

 

Interesting. I have not yet driven a 348, mostly due to what you all have said. My reasoning for considering it is that I'm not quite sure I want to jump to the 355, but the 328 seems a little under-powered. It doesn't hurt that the 348 is about the same price as the 328.